Sept. 20th 2012
Two nights ago, I went to a pub called Paedar O'donnoels (pronounced Patter), and listened to some traditional Irish music while drinking Guinness beer.  The music was great, with the irish flute, a guitarist and vocalist.  Many of the locals there sang along to some of the songs.  Some were slow and sad, while others were upbeat.  The Guinness was good and strong.  Many people in this pub were very relaxed and very talkative to any strangers.  My german friend Lydia and I sat down next to a few locals and eventually we started a conversation with them.  We met Ronan and Jenna.  Two very kind people who we chatted with for the rest of the night.  We stayed in the pub until they closed at 2am and then Jenna and Ronan insisted that we go to the restaurant next door to get a 'chicken box.'  It was about four pounds and filled with peppers, onions, chicken and fries and some sweet mayo based sauce.  It was delicious! Afterwards, Lydia and I took a taxi home.  Taxi's around Derry are very cheap. They are about 3 pounds.  Yesterday, I met the last girl who moved into my flat.  Her name is Laura and she is getting her phD in psychology.  She is from Northern Ireland.  She is very fashionable and a party animal!  She insisted that we all go out to a club called Sugar.  So, Laura, Aoifa, Lydia and I met with some of Aoifa's nursing friends and all attempted to take a taxi to Sugar.  As we approached Duncreggan's student gates, there was a huge crowd of students all trying to get a taxi!  We were waiting for a taxi for quite a while.  Sugar was exactly what I would expect of a club.  Lots of pretty lights, and loud music.  They played a lot of American music.  An Irish boy came up to Lydia and randomly tried to kiss her.  That was awkward and funny.  No one wore jeans at this club! All the girls were in dresses and very dressed up in heels or boots.  They all had on some pretty slutty dresses.  Lydia and I left early to go home because I had to get up early for my international student orientation on campus that has been going on from tues-tomorrow.  Today, I toured the library on campus and learned about all the different resources they have to offer.  The library was three floors and giant.  It is sooo modern compared to my library on campus back home.  Later, Lydia and I took a taxi to the town center to go shopping!  I found this 3 story store called Primark.  Primark is like a forever 21 and has really pretty clothes for very cheap.  I bought a cute sweater there.  Also there was a one pound shop where I bought a gallon of milk for one pound!! I was also able to 'top up' my phone.  A 'top up' is when you add money to your account for your phone.  I paid ten pounds and now I have internet, 3000 texts, and 100 min for the next month! It was so cheap.  Tomorrow I am going on a tour of the city walls with the international students, as well as registering for business classes!  I've already met with my business advisor here and they think that two classes in one day is a very busy day....  At 5:30 tomorrow, Lydia and I are going over to the Mcfeeters   home to have some Irish stew.  Then we are driving up to port stewart where they have a home on the coast.  We will stay there for a few days.  I'm so excited!!